How to apply for a licence to sell fireworks, what a licence costs, licensed fireworks sellers.

To sell fireworks you'll need to apply for a licence and have your premises inspected.

Before applying for a licence to sell fireworks you must read the guidance documents below:

If you want to sell other pyrotechnic devices, read the pdf storing and selling pyrotechnic articles safely document (68 KB) .

Firework licences

There are two types of licences.

For the storage of up to:

  • 250kg net explosive quantity (NEQ) of explosives
  • 500kg net explosive quantity (NEQ) of explosives

The difference between these is the separation distances required between the location of the store and other buildings and roads.

Each of these licences will allow the sale of fireworks during fireworks season.

The fireworks season is:

  • 15 October to 10 November
  • 26 December to 31 December
  • three days before, and  on the day of , the Chinese New Year
  • three days before, and  on the day of , Diwali

If you want to sell fireworks all year round you'll also need to buy an extra licence for £500.

Cost of firework licences

Firework licence: 250kg NEQ

The costs of a new fireworks licence for storing up to 250kg NEQ of explosives are:

  • one year: £113
  • two years: £147
  • three years : £181
  • four years : £215
  • five years: £248

Renew a 250kg NEQ licence

If you want to renew a 250kg NEQ fireworks licence the costs are:

  • one year: £56
  • two year: £90
  • three year: £125
  • four years: £158
  • five years: £193

Firework licence: 500kg NEQ

The costs of a new fireworks licence for storing up to 500kg NEQ of explosives are:

  • one year: £193
  • two year: £253
  • three year £317
  • four year: £390
  • five year: £441

Renew a 500kg NEQ licence

The costs for a renewing a fireworks licence for storing up to 500kg NEQ of explosives are:

  • one year: £90
  • two year: £153
  • three year: £215
  • four year: £277
  • five year: £340

Apply for a fireworks licence

Email trading.standards@bristol.gov.uk tellling us:

  • the nature and location of your business
  • your contact phone number

We'll call you to discuss the safety rules and the premises you have for storing fireworks.

If you meet the safety rules we'll email you the application form and payment details.

Cheques should be made payable to Bristol City Council.

Once we have the payment and application form we'll arrange an inspection of the proposed storage premises.

Licensed fireworks sellers

See the pdf current list of licensed fireworks sellers (79 KB) .